¿Man jailed for raping vulnerable girl

A MAN who raped a teenage girl with severe learning difficulties has been jailed. David Roberts indecently assaulted the victim and then later raped her in a Stockport alleyway. Roberts, 31, from Heaton Norris, admitted rape and indecent assault at an earlier hearing and was jailed today for five years and four months at Minshull Street Crown Court.

The offences were committed in June this year. The victim later told her mum what had happened and the police were called.

Roberts, of Belmont Street, was imprisoned for 64 months for the rape and two years for the indecent assault, to run concurrently.

Detective Constable Colin Price, from the Stockport Rape Investigation Team, said: "I hope this case sends out a powerful message to rapists and sex offenders that when they commit these awful crimes, we will never stop pursuing them until they are behind bars.

Courage

"I would also like to praise the victim for the courage she showed by telling her mum what happened straight away. Unfortunately, many victims are too traumatised to speak out after they have been attacked and suffer in silence for many years while their attackers walk free.

"There is a lot of support out there for victims and we will investigate every report of rape very seriously."

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515.